Big Ideas for Catechism

Big Ideas for Catechism / Catechesis

see Catechism definition

In preparation for catechesis, or the learning of the Catholic faith and preparation for life in Christ, students (catechumens) may prepare for deeper understanding of the faith and its lessons by developing first a set for fundamental, or foundational ideas.

Note: these are not from the Catholic Church, but developed by a Catechist

The "Big Ideas" represent necessary concepts for students to know in order to access higher order concepts for their catechism.

• none of these ideas are sufficient alone to understand the Catholic Faith and develop Life in Christ
• but all of these ideas are necessary for that understanding

The BIG IDEAS: Ten Fundamental Concepts

For understanding and practicing the Christian Faith, Catechumens (students of the Catechism) can use these fundamental, or underlying, ideas to apply to their general learning about the Catholic Faith and Life in Christ.

1. Jesus Christ

• Jesus = "God saves"
• Christ = "Messiah" = "Mission"
  • the "Mission" of "Christ" is to save us

2. The Trinity

• one God, three persons
• God exists outside of time and creation
• role of the Holy Spirit , the Sanctifier

3. Thoughtful worship

• understanding the Word of God through the "Four Senses of Scripture"
• seeking God and truth through the "Two Wings" of the Gifts of Faith and Reason
• praying thoughtfully and purposefully
  • Sign of the Cross: what do you think about when making the Sign of the Cross?
  • Lord's Prayer: the Seven Petitions
  • The Liturgy: knowing the Mass

4. Understand Sin

• as separation from God
• The Fall and implications
• God's "Plan of Redemption"
• the word "devil" comes from Greek diaballein, for "throw across, separate
  • thus Satin wants to separate us from God
• "Dying to sin, living in Christ"
• Sacrament of Reconciliation

5. Sermon on the Mount and The Beatitudes

• Life in Christ
• Christ's New Commandments
• Ten Commandments & Christ's clarifications of Mosaic Law
  • murder and adultery start in the heart

6. Christ as fulfillment of the Old Testament

• "testament" means "covenant"
  • covenant = promise, agreement, contract
  • God's promises to man are expressed in the "covenants"
• Jesus fulfills the "Old Covenant" and gives us the "New Testament"